Dark days ahead for Force India as Formula One team reveal new colour scheme

Force India has become the only Formula One team to break cover this winter after they revealed the first picture of their 2014 challenger on Wednesday.

The VJM07 features a new colour scheme - with black replacing the areas of white on their livery – and changes to the design concept with a raft of new regulations introduced for the upcoming campaign.

Force India will unleash a new driver pairing for the new season which gets underway in Australia in March, with Nico Hulkenberg, who returns to the team after a year at Sauber, being partnered by Sergio Perez following his disappointing stint at McLaren.

New look: Force India has become the first team to unveil an image of their car for the upcoming F1 season

The Mexican, who brings sponsorship to Force India from telecommunications company Claro, replaces British driver Paul Di Resta, who yesterday announced his return to the DTM series in Germany with Mercedes-Benz.

Speaking on the new colour scheme, team principal Vijay Mallya said: 'The VJM07 looks stunning and the new livery reflects the way Sahara Force India is evolving.

'I've always believed our cars have been the most eye-catching, but adding black as a main colour gives us a fierce new look.'

New signing: Sergio Perez will make his debut for Force India this year after he was dropped by McLaren

McLaren are primed to kickstart the launch season when they unleash the MP4-29 on Friday with Ferrari following suit 24 hours later.

Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes and reigning champions Red Bull will unveil their challengers on the morning of the first winter test in Jerez, which starts on Tuesday.